National Association of Wine Retailers Thanks Senator Shelley Mayer For Supporting New York Wine Retailers and Consumers with Introduction of Retailer Wine Shipping bill
January 26th – (Albany, NY)—The National Association of Wine Retailers (NAWR) along with its large New York State membership have sent a letter of thanks to New York Senator Shelley Mayer for her sponsorship of Senate Bill 7740, which seeks to legalize the shipment of wine to New York residents from out-of-state wine retailers. NAWR’s New York-based members believe this bill is vital not only in bringing free trade in wine to New York consumers but also in helping to persuade other states to open their borders for wine shipment from New York retailers.
Currently, New York is among the more than 30 states that bar its consumers from receiving wine shipments from out-of-state retailers. New York allows its residents to receive wine shipments from New York-based retailers, New York wineries, and out-of-state wineries, but for protectionist reasons and in violation of the Constitution it bars shipments from out-of-state wine retailers. The ban not only harms New York consumers and prevents the collection of additional state sales tax, but also dissuades other states from passing legislation allowing New York-based retailers from shipping wine to their consumers.
Wine Shipping Bill Assures Taxes Are Collected, Minors Can’t Obtain Wine
“When I’m asked why New York state retailers want legislation passed that would bring more competition I respond that competition makes us all better at what we do, but equally important I can’t complain about the discriminatory and protectionist bans in other states that bar me from shipping to consumers there if I don’t support shipping into New York,” noted Ben Aneff, managing partner of Tribeca Wine Merchants and a NAWR board member.
Senate Bill 7744 sponsor Senator Mayer joins with Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, who last first year introduced the companion bill, A 799, to the Assembly. Both bills require out-of-state retailers to obtain a New York state wine shippers permit, limits the amount of wine an out-of-state retailer may ship to a New York resident during a single year, requires the remittance of sales tax and shipping reports to the state, and puts in place protections against minors obtaining wine via direct shipment.
Senate Bill S7740 has been referred to the Senate Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee where it awaits a hearing.
ABOUT NAWR
The National Association of Wine Retailers represents independent fine wine retailers across the country. NAWR advances the interests of its members by advocating for modernized, free-market wine regulations, providing its members with important money-saving benefits, and works to educate the wine trade, regulatory agencies, lawmakers, and consumers on the importance of well-regulated free trade in wine. For more information see www.nawr.org.
